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Pennsylvania GOP Corruption Trial Starts Next Week

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HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) – The first trial of Republican defendants in Pennsylvania’s corruption scandal gets under way next week.

Three people formerly connected to state House Republicans are on trial starting Monday in Dauphin County court in Harrisburg.

They are accused of participating in a scheme to illegally spend millions of taxpayer dollars on technology and other public resources to boost GOP election campaigns between 2000 and 2007. They are former Rep. Brett Feese, a former House GOP whip; Brian Preski, former chief of staff for former House Speaker John Perzel; and former Feese aide Jill Seaman.

They’re outnumbered 2-to-1 by the six other Republicans who have pleaded guilty to reduced charges and may be called to testify for the prosecution. Among them is Perzel. Prosecutors say he orchestrated the illegal activity.